Websites are a basic way for accountants to bring in new leads. These strategies will help you be sure your CPA practice’s site is intended to lure real clients.
Lots of people find themselves needing a reliable accountant every day. It might be a good plan to analyze how ready you are when people seek out your services. Are you setting your best foot forward? Nearly all peeps don’t seek out accountants in phone listings or newspaper listings anymore. While they were once a standby for promoting business services, new approaches have replaced them. Word of mouth can be great and it’s always reaffirming to receive a referral from a loyal customer. However, no business should depend on it to generate a consistent flow of new business. Instead, you will want to focus on the web. Because they are providing a service, functional accountant websites should focus on presenting information in a clear way. Keep the navigation and layout simple and intuitive while updating the content regularly. People often come to the Internet with a question they want answered or a problem that they need solved. The most effective websites offer a solution to the web viewer’s problem. Now that you know the importance of a website, you may want to consider updating it. If it’s time for a redesign, keep these common mistakes in mind and learn from them so that your website stands out!
DISTRACTIONS
Just the thought of accounting makes some people’s heads spin. Don’t make it worse for them by including lots of spreadsheets, graphs and statistics on a website. The average customer just wants to know about you and the services you offer. Instead of trying to explain accounting, focus on selling your services. People don’t want to read a detailed explanation of your accounting procedures.
WRITE IN A CONVERSATIONAL TONE
Don’t get bogged down in using accounting language that may confuse your readers. Keep your language simple and leave out the jargon. Skip the “accountant speak” and opt to be relatable to your reader. Help them understand what services you offer without using complex terms.
CONTACT
Provide a clear, easy way to contact you. The Internet has replaced the phone book in most households. Therefore, making contact information available on accountant websites is essential.
UNDERSTAND CURRENT WEB STANDARDS
Realistically evaluate your web design knowledge and skills. If you aren’t a skilled web designer be honest with yourself. Hire a professional web designer to redesign your website. The professional appearance a web designer can give your site will be worth every penny spent. You can look at http://blog.hubspot.com/blog for some useful information. It will allow you begin to familiarize yourself with the standards required of professional websites.
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
Skillful use of SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a necessary part of any website. SEO will help people find your website by giving your great page the ranking it deserves in the search engines. Think about it, what good is your site if people can’t find it? The blog http://blog.hubspot.com/blog offers a wealth of information on SEO.
TEST YOUR WEBSITE
A visit to your website may be the first impression people will have of your company so it is important that everything functions properly. This includes links, menus and any other interactive features. Nothing frustrates a user more than a broken link or interactive features that don’t function well. It will make you appear unprofessional and the user may leave your website. Find some pointers at http://blog.hubspot.com/blog to keep your website in good working order. A positive user experience can help turn a potential client into a client.
SELL YOUR SERVICES
A website is just another way to sell your services as an accountant. Don’t get caught up in providing a lot of unneeded information. Focus on selling yourself as an accountant. This may seem obvious, but it can get lost in the process of redesigning a website. People are on your page to find out about your accounting services. So it is essential to focus on information about you and the services you offer. Create a simple website that functions as a virtual open door to your office. A summary of your services, contact information and a small number of select testimonials are all that you need to sell yourself. Keep it simple for a user-friendly experience on your website.
Some people may deal with accountants all the time. For others, working with an accountant can be overwhelming and even intimidating if they don’t know what to expect. To make matters worse, many people are in a vulnerable financial position when they search out an accountant. In these instances they are looking for understanding and guidance. You can take this opportunity to show people that you understand their needs. In addition to understanding their needs you can clearly demonstrate how you can offer a solution to their problem. Remember, your website makes a first impression. The entire feeling of your online presence should represent you just like you are in person. As an accountant you should have a professional online presence with an inviting tone. When people see your website they should experience ease, and the moment they finally meet with you at your workplace (or in a phone conference) they will be reassured… and the deal sealed.